Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

The entrance to the Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa sets a tone of relaxed luxury that extends to the rest of the property. A portico features high archways painted bright white, contrasting sharply with a dark-wood roof and mosaic floor created from gray and brown stones. Inside, contemporary Thai furniture fills the open-air lobby with floors combining dark wood and polished clay-colored tile. Moroccan-style lanterns hang overhead and abstract Thai art hangs behind the front desk. It's a pleasant space for guests to relax while checking in -- some guests do so in the spacious library room, where cool drinks and chilled towels are handed out. But the landscaped grounds are the real star here, filled with leafy plants and palm trees, reflecting ponds filled with lily pads, and hammocks strung above green lawns. A mix of couples and families stay here and often lounge around the beachfront pool, lined with pebbled walkways where traditional statues hide small lanterns. 

This peaceful resort is in the center of Bophut, but you might not know it. Tucked away from the crowds and sitting directly on sandy Bophut Beach, the Anatara feels more removed than it actually is. Within about a five-minute walk is the boardwalk extending through Fisherman's Village, a lively area filled with bars and restaurants. The central plaza of the village, home to a popular night market, is a 10-minute walk from the resort. Being situated in the northeast of Koh Samui also means relatively easy access to sights such as the Big Buddha temple (a 15-minute drive) and Chaweng's beach and nightlife (a 20-minute drive). Samui Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive away. Bangrak Pier, where ferries depart for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is a 15-minute drive, and Maenam Pier is a 15-minute drive in the other direction. 

Rooms at the resort are airy and bright, with a good amount of natural light filtering in through balcony or terrace doors. Decor feels similar to the rest of the property in terms of vibe: contemporary, natural, and with Thai influence. There's a lot of dark wood and neutral-colored stone, accented with traditionally patterned textiles and wall art in shades of royal blue and yellow. Rooms extend to balconies or terraces furnished with cushioned dark-wood benches, overlooking either the gardens or the sea -- the best views are from the third floor. Rooms measure from 344 to 388 square feet (32 to 36 square meters), while suites can be up to twice as large and add extra luxuries like wine fridges and freestanding bathtubs -- or private pools in some. In contrast, rooms at sister property Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa, located on Chaweng Beach, start at a more spacious 560 square feet (52 square meters).

Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and electronic safes come as standard. All rooms also have minibars and coffee/tea facilities, plus nice touches like yoga mats and beach bags. Bathrooms feel modern and minimalist, with sleek black marble basins and neutral-tone stone rainfall showers with frosted glass doors. Bath products are from the resort's spa. 

The pool at the resort sits looking directly over the beach and is surrounded by plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. It has an interesting look, with colorful floor tiles and small landscaped islands floating in its center. A swim-up bar at one end serves evening happy hour, and there's also a poolside bar on the deck. Out on the beach there are more loungers and umbrellas, plus occasional barbecue buffets on the sand. 

The resort's bars and restaurants are roomy and modern, especially High Tide, where the stylish setting combines earthy decor with a shimmering silver-tiled bar -- cocktails and tapas are served here all day until late at night. Full Moon restaurant serves international cuisine with grilled meats for lunch and dinner, while High Tide has a buffet breakfast (for a fee) and serves Thai cuisine for dinner. Ocean's Edge bar is outdoors and pressed up against the sand, offering cocktails with a view over the sea. Some guests have found prices to be too high at the restaurants and bars. 

The spa stands out with glass-walled treatment rooms surrounded by tropical gardens, as well as for its holistic wellness center offering a variety of nutrition- and fitness programs, including yoga. The fitness center is modern and clean with wood floors, and has a good number of cardio and weight machines. There's also an outdoor tennis court, and the resort offers Thai boxing lessons. A kids' club is available with an indoor play room and outdoor sandy playground. Wi-Fi is free throughout much of the resort's common areas.